Pertex rain shell as windbreaker

Pertex Shield Plus (2nd gen) is noticeably more breathable than Pertex Shield DS (generation 1) but it's still going to be far far less breathable than a true windshirt. That said, open up the front zip and many people get fine with just a waterproof jacket as a wind breaker. It is better suited for cooler temps though, anything above 50F may get too warm and steamy depending on your personal tolerances and physiology.

Pertex Endurance is being used and that is hardly waterproof. 1000 mm is not much, even under the official limit of 1300-1500 mm.

Just checked and Tom is absolutely correct. Pertex Endurance is in no way water proof. The company itself only claims high water resistance. Much more water resistant than a simple DWR but still in no way water proof. Consider it a great outerwear when weather is so cold you don't have to worry about liquid precipitation (15F or colder at least).

For more on Pertex Endurance:
http://pertex.com/fabrics/endurance/

Luke is very fast at answering e-mails. It's worth asking.

We want it all, but windshirts should (and mostly are) more shirt-like than jacket-like and used as you would a shirt: trap another layer of warm air next your body and prevent the wind from stealing it away, protect you from the sun and bugs. It needs to be breathable so that you can still wear it comfortably while active. The DWR features are a nice addition, but they don't substitute for a rain shell and the seams on windshirts aren't sealed.

Rain shells can pass water vapor, but none will allow airflow like a good windshirt. There's no magic and no free lunch. A rain shell will certainly block the wind, but it will be sweaty to move in. They are sweaty enough in cold rain! Windshirts approaching the waterproofness of a full out rain shell are also sweaty and nearly useless IMHO.

So far, the best alternatives are to get a light windshirt that is very breathable and a rain shell with as many ventilation features as practical, regardless of the mojo in the fabric.

If you want light, ventilated and waterproof, a poncho will deliver as much if bit more than a very expensive rain shell at 7oz and about $60. That will double as pack cover and emergency shelter and shade and cover you roc your knees. A Cuben version will be even lighter— at greater cost.

Here are a couple good threads on windshirts and breathability and water resistance. Pay particular attention to Richard Nisely's replies:

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/forums/thread_display.html?forum_thread_id=79972

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/forums/thread_display.html?forum_thread_id=57727

Thanks for the info Dale. I guess I kinda knew that from lurking on this site but was hoping for some magic from pertex. Looks like I need to pick up a Houdini.

one thing to consider is that if yr always wearing a light rain jacket … the DWR will often get compromised much faster

;)

the new houdini is no longer as breathable as the older ones, HERE is Richard’s latest test results.

"it's still going to be far far less breathable than a true windshirt. That said, open up the front zip and many people get fine with just a waterproof jacket as a wind breaker."

I used my Montane Minimus this way last season and it worked very well. At altitude in the Sierra I rarely had to worry about higher temps in situations where I felt the need for a windshirt, and it came thru one doozy of a rainstorm with flying colors with only a little wetting thru where my shoulder straps were compressing the fabric.

A good compromise of windshirt and WPB jacket for only 5 oz, IME/IMO.

Edited for content.

"Thanks for the info Dale. I guess I kinda knew that from lurking on this site but was hoping for some magic from pertex. Looks like I need to pick up a Houdini."

That latest ones are much less breathable. Others have posted the link to Nisely's test results and you want to check that out.

The one I have is marked Spring 2011 and is okay. If it has a vertical chest pocket opening, you should be okay. If it has a horizontal zipper and has a short cover over it, look closer. My 2011 has the vertical zipper but it is exposed, with no cover. All the late model tags have an item number with the production date, like 24017SP11. Note the current number on the Patagonia web page is 24140.

Happy gear hunting :)

del

Didn't think mine was a fake. It came from a reputable dealer as well. I was pointing out the minutia to make is easier to to spot the variations.

Someone at Patagonia should be made to take a hike in a current Houdini zipped all the way up for 20 miles :)

I have a Feathered Friends Jackorak Pertex Quantum Endurance UL wind shirt and love it. 4 oz in size XL.

I tried a Jackorax on at their store. How is it for breathability? Can you compare it to a Houdini?